King Charles is scheduled to pay a visit to the inaugural memorial honoring LGBT armed forces members today at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The event will feature the unveiling of a bronze sculpture named “An Opened Letter,” symbolizing the impact of the ‘gay ban’ within the UK military, which prohibited homosexual individuals from serving until as recent as 2000. Approximately 20,000 armed forces personnel faced imprisonment, dismissal, or forced outing due to this discriminatory policy.
Many of those affected experienced severe bullying and enduring mental health challenges as a consequence. The sculpture, designed in the shape of an opened letter, represents the personal letters used to shame and incriminate service members, leading to prosecutions and incarcerations in some instances.
The initiative to establish this permanent memorial was spearheaded by Fighting with Pride, an LGBT Armed Forces charity. The charity’s CEO, Peter Gibson, expressed the emotional significance of the new memorial in acknowledging and rectifying the injustices faced by former military personnel due to their sexual orientation.
Claire Aston, a former Royal Artillery member, shared her emotional journey of being discharged in 1972 at the age of 21 due to her sexuality. The completion of the ‘Opened Letter’ sculpture signified a cathartic experience for her and others who have endured similar struggles, offering a sense of closure and unity within the LGBT+ community.
The design for the memorial was selected through a competition won by Norfolk-based artist collective Abraxas Academy, among 38 other contenders. Apart from honoring past and present service members and their families, the memorial stands as a symbol of remembrance and contemplation for current and future generations of LGBT+ military personnel.
Lord Etherington condemned the scandal surrounding the ‘gay ban,’ labeling it a disgrace to the honorable history of the Armed Forces. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued an official apology to those affected, and a compensation scheme has been established for individuals who suffered repercussions or lost their careers.
Reflecting on his own dismissal from the RAF in 1997 due to his sexual orientation, Carl Austin-Behan emphasized the profound impact of the LGBT+ memorial. He highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue within society to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity.
The unveiling of the UK’s first LGBT+ armed forces memorial is expected to spark crucial conversations and raise awareness about the dangers of discrimination within the public sphere.